Los Angeles Air Force Base is located south of Los Angeles International Airport. The base is in the city of El Segundo, in Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles AFB is garrisoned by the 61st Air Base Wing. Also on the base, is the Air Force Space Command’s Missile Systems Center (SMC or Space Missile Command) headquarters.

In the early, 1960’s the Air Force decided to merge the Space Systems Division and the Research and Development Center of the Aerospace Corporation. The Aerospace Corporation was created to support all Air Force space programs. During the same time, the Air Force purchased the land around an aircraft plant operated by the Navy near El Segundo and Aviation boulevards in Los Angeles. The properties were named Los Angeles Air Force Station in 1964. The name was changed to Los Angeles Air Force Base in 1987.

Arriving at Los Angeles AFB

Your military ID must be presented at the Gate Guard. The Visitor Control Center provides day passes for those without military ID. The Visitor Control Center is the white building near the entrance of the gate. A valid drivers license, car registration and proof of auto insurance is also required. Keep your sponsor’s name and phone number handy. He/She will need accompany you to the building.

Keep on the main road, once inside the gate. On your right side, you will find the Commissary and BX. Across from the gas station, is the street that leads to customer parking alongside Building 272. There will be a left turn.

Enter the building after parking. The in-processing checklist will be available at the Customer Service Center. Operating hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact your sponsor to inform him/her of your arrival.

Base Population

There are over 15,000 military personnel, DoD civilians, contractors, retirees and family members assigned to Los Angeles Air Force Base.